Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its firm stance on Jammu and Kashmir, regional peace, and international diplomacy as Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi addressed the weekly news briefing in the federal capital.
The spokesperson said that Right to Self-Determination Day for Jammu and Kashmir was observed this week in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions. He stated that thousands of political leaders and human rights activists remain imprisoned in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
He added that India has been attempting to change the population ratio of Jammu and Kashmir since August 5, 2019, describing these actions as a violation of international law.
Pakistan-China strategic talks
Andrabi said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar recently visited China, where Pakistan-China strategic talks were held. Following the talks, both sides issued a joint statement.
He said Pakistan supports China’s efforts to achieve national unity and apprised the Chinese leadership of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the spokesperson, China considers the Kashmir dispute an unresolved issue of history.
Diplomatic outreach
The spokesperson said Ishaq Dar contacted the foreign minister of Myanmar on January 6. He also held talks with the foreign ministers of Indonesia and Egypt, as well as the Bangladeshi foreign adviser.
In addition, Ishaq Dar discussed regional and international issues with the foreign ministers of Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, the spokesperson added.
Rejection of Indian FM's statement
Andrabi said Pakistan strongly rejects what he termed the baseless statement of the Indian foreign minister. He stated that India has a documented record of supporting terrorism in the region and globally.
He said India’s accusations against Pakistan cannot conceal New Delhi’s own anti-peace actions, adding that India should reform itself instead of lecturing others.
The spokesperson condemned the demolition of the Faiz Elahi Mosque and adjacent properties in New Delhi, calling it part of a wider campaign of anti-Muslim measures.
He said this action is a continuation of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 and the subsequent construction of a temple, describing it as part of India’s hateful campaign against religious minorities.
Pakistan-Saudi ties, Afghanistan
Andrabi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia cooperate in multiple areas, including defence. He added that Pakistan has agreed to continue the trilateral mechanism with Afghanistan.
He welcomed statements from Afghanistan but said Pakistan is awaiting verifiable, concrete, and practical guarantees that Afghan soil will not be used against other countries.
The spokesperson said Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China held a meeting under the trilateral mechanism last year. He said Pakistan is keen to take this mechanism forward.
He added that the objective of trilateral cooperation is to promote peace, development, and prosperity in the region, and the joint statement emphasized achieving new results under this framework.
Pakistan’s stance on Iran, regional aggression
The FO spokesman said Pakistan opposed the 12-day aggression against Iran last year. He clarified that Iran’s domestic situation is its internal matter and Pakistan does not comment on internal affairs of other countries.
He said Pakistan has consistently opposed external aggression, threats, and sanctions against Iran, including sanctions linked to the nuclear deal, which Pakistan considers unconstructive.
Concluding the briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson stressed that Pakistan does not interfere in the internal affairs of any neighbouring country. He said Pakistan remains committed to regional peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement based on mutual respect.
